We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
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3rd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($334 USD)
access_time 8 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Now that my wife and I are very old, we can't work anymore. The only thing we do is take care of our goats. If something urgent happens, we can sell them for money. It's just the two of us now since our children are all grown up and married.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
I'm really happy and grateful since I started getting free money. My life has changed a lot. Now I have a nicer house than before. I also have goats, and they've already had two baby goats. I'm so happy because my goats are like an investment for the future. I appreciate that you're checking to make sure we're using the money well. When you go to other villages, please tell people about how helpful this money is and why it's given out.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent $100 to buy two goats. Goats do really well here and they multiply easily. I decided to get two more goats, so now I have 32. I love having lots of goats. They don't need much help during dry seasons, unlike cows and sheep. I also spent $40 on food. I used to rely on my son, who has a hotel at Maoi center, but now I can take care of myself. With the rest of the money, I finished building my house. It's just one room made of iron sheets, and I still use my old house, made of grass and mud, as a kitchen. I'm really happy and thankful for everything.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
45000 KES ($294 USD)
access_time 12 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
In the upcoming year and beyond, my plan is to construct a new house after demolishing the old one. To maintain cleanliness in the new dwelling, I aspire to build a separate kitchen, providing a space for cooking even during rainy seasons without any interference from the rain. Additionally, I am keen on investing in goat farming to add to the two goats I already own. The ease of goat farming is particularly easy, given the vast land with abundant feed for the goats. With the intention of expanding the herd, I aim to purchase more goats, leveraging their breeding capabilities. As they multiply, selling the offspring will serve as a sustainable income source, helping cover household bills and contributing to the overall well-being of my family. This dual approach to housing improvement and goat farming reflects my commitment to creating a comfortable living environment and establishing a reliable source of income at our old age.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Significant changes have taken place, and it's evident that people now grasp the importance of support. The satisfaction and happiness among everyone involved in this program are palpable, contributing to an improvement in our living standards. Personally, like other recipients who used the support wisely, I am delighted that, with the support of my son, we managed to construct a new house. Achieving so much in a short period of time is gratifying, and I remain hopeful about completing all the initiated projects before utilizing the entire promised amount. Other people appreciate it too, and the entire community has transformed, with many who were into alcoholism have to do constructive work in their families.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Living in our old house with my spouse became unbearable, especially during the rainy season when the mud walls were prone to damage and the repairs were challenging due to our age. Upon receiving the transfers, constructing a new house became a priority. We have spent $238 on materials like iron sheets, wooden frames, and nails, and paid a $50 labor charge. We are already living in the new house while awaiting the final installation of the door and some furnishings, and it is a relief for us to enjoy the warmth after a long time. I also spent $25 on food for my spouse and me, gifted $40 to support my daughters' families in buying food, and have $20 in cash alongside $77 in the account. This support has significantly improved our living standards and instilled hope for a better future, for which we are truly grateful.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
18010 KES ($123 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The memory of receiving the funds from GiveDirectly is etched vividly in my mind. I was at home, enjoying a moment of relaxation when I heard my phone buzz. Upon checking, I discovered that GiveDirectly had sent me money. The overwhelming joy I felt at that moment is hard to express in words because I knew it meant I could finally turn my dreams into reality. The support I received brought an abundance of happiness into my life, and without delay, I started planning how to utilize the transfer to pursue my aspirations with the necessary funds now at hand.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
The most significant change in my current life is the acquisition of goats. Furthermore, I've successfully stocked up on an ample supply of food, alleviating the hunger challenges my family previously endured due to financial constraints. The happiness and contentment I now experience from these accomplishments have greatly improved my quality of life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
Receiving my transfer was the most significant thing that happened in my life, as I saw it as an opportunity to uplift my family's living standards. My wife and I mainly rely on farming, which is not always productive, and we live together with our grandson since our children are all grown . When I received my initial transfer, I knew exactly what to do with it. I decided to invest in two goats worth $100, which would help as an additional source of income since I had sold my goats due to school fees responsible. I also used $20 in buying foodstuff. With the remaining amount, I gave my children so that they can buy foodstuffs for their families. All of these things were impossible to accomplish before due to a lack of funds. I am immensely grateful for the support that has transformed our lives in a remarkable way.
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
We used to have goats but they fell sick and died leaving us with none. Goat keeping is a source of livelihood in our area, they do well and multiply quickly and it is a source of wealth for us. Whenever we could get an emergency need it was easier to sell and get money. We feel bad that we do not own any at the moment. We have always wanted to have some but our state of the vicious cycle of poverty that has afflicted us for long has made it an impossibility and has just remained to be a piped dream. We are so elated about the cash transfers from GiveDirectly which is in the offing. It is going to bring a paradigm shift to our family and uplift us to a better life. We intend to buy 3 goats which will cost $ 150, we anticipate that by the end of the year, they will have doubled. We will use the rest of the money to build another better house and buy foodstuffs.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Recently it rained and it brought joy and hope to our lives since we were able to get enough water and it saves us the trouble of having to trek for long distances in search of it. We were also able to get casual farm work that assisted us to earn wages and we were able to buy food without much struggle unlike before. Even the intensity of the heat reduced and we were happy about it. Rain is indeed a blessing!
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
We are old now and we live a life of destitution because of lack of food. Since we are not able to engage actively in income-generating activities we are left with the mercy of well-wishers and our children. Other times we do menial casual jobs just to sustain ourselves since we have to get a means just to survive. The casual jobs are erratic and hard to come by, they are only available mostly during the rainy season when we can get some work of tending to other people's farms for a wage. We live from hand to mouth and each day presents a challenge of having to worry about where the next meal will come from.